Sylvester Turner files for Speaker

State Rep. Sylvester Turner makes it official. He defected from House Speaker Tom Craddick’s camp when he filed his paper work today for the 2009 House Speaker’s race. Here’s part of his release:

“I don’t ever want to have another legislative session like the one just completed where taking care of the people’s business took a back seat to political agendas,” Turner said. “We have too many problems in this state to waste most of a legislative session on political agendas that will not provide insurance to children with no health care, that will not provide lower electric rates to seniors and those with little income, that will not provide more funding for mental health programs.”

“I have worked effectively in the House under a Democratic majority,” Turner said, “and I have worked effectively in the House under a Republican majority. I have sought to treat every member with the utmost respect and I have worked to operate the House with the utmost degree of integrity.

“I sincerely hope that over the next 18 months, members will evaluate and assess my abilities,” Turner continued. “I believe I am the best person to serve as Speaker in 2009 and I hope the members will give me the opportunity to serve as their Speaker.”